How to Photograph Red Kites - in Flight, Perched, Feeding - Photography Tips, Techniques & Settings

Get my Photography Tips for shooting different species at my Koji Store: koji.to/k/9jxs
How to Photograph Red Kites - in Flight, Perched, Feeding - Photography Tips, Techniques & Settings.
Red Kites are one of my favourite birds and amazing subjects for photography. In this tutorial I show you how I photograph them and give you lots of tips on their behaviour. I also show you how to photograph them in flight, perched and feeding in the snow. All photos in this video shot with a Canon cameras.
Filmed with Canon M50 and 15-45mm lens.
Equipment: Canon 1DX Mark i, Canon 500mm f/4 mark i lens, Canon 400mm f/5.6 lens
My equipment: If you purchase any of these items, that I use and recommend, through the Amazon links I receive a small commission which is massively appreciated and it helps me to keep creating new videos.
Manfrotto MVH502AH Fluid Head: amzn.to/3sabeDP
Movo GH700 gimbal head: amzn.to/2y2ekCg
Canon 400mm f5.6 lens: amzn.to/2AnX8q8
Canon 1.4 extender: amzn.to/2JsrWvY
Canon 100mm f2.8: amzn.to/2t34Jp6
My Website: www.paulmiguel....
Photo Workshops: www.naturephoto...
Friend Me: / paulmiguelphotography
Tweet Me: pa...
Flickr Stream: www.flickr.com...
Music:
Christmas Village by Aaron Kenny
Fractal of Light by Chris Haugen
Kick the Can by The Mini Vandals
Sip Racer by Freedom Trail Studio

[@TimSter15]

I just submitted a short film on the red kite conservation story in the UK literally 2 days before this video was released. If only I'd waited a bit longer! 😂

[@johnlocke7097]

Fluffy thing was great, very clear. Those photos were outstanding. Many years ago when I lived in Wales (I am in the USA now) I was driving along a narrow lane with very high sides and a Red Kite came down 10 yards in front of me and flew along for what seemed like forever in front of me. That is a fantastic memory for me.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

What a sight that must have been. Awesome! whereabouts in US are you now?

[@johnlocke7097]

Columbus Ohio, plenty of Eagles and Ospreys. @@PaulMiguelPhotography

[@joannewalker9282]

Wow, my favourite birds what a fabulous informative blog with these amazing birds of prey.

[@captinktm]

You know why your channel works? Because you are talking about your experiences! You show the results, and talk about the failures. This is rare on YT. The sound is great on the video by the way. I think your right about the baiting or feeding wild birds as well. As long as it random then it's just another opportunity for them. We don't get Red Kites here in Bulgaria but I have seen and photographed a Black Kite, on the Arda river in the south. We have a pair of Buzzards which are living here, but as I can predict where they will be, they also spot me very early. It's almost like they know the exact distance to remain beyond the reach of my 600 mm. Question. I use a D500 and can toggle (using the Fn button ) between single spot focus and a group of 9. This I find a brilliant help when picking up birds in flight. Lots of other photographers ask me how, so I was wondering ( never been a Canon owner) if it can be done with the Canon?

[@1jim58]

Chris, my method is to program the AF on button on the back of the camera for spot focus and then program the exposure lock button which is just to the right of the AF button to focus using expanded zone, this means I only have to move my thumb onto the relevant button to get the focusing mode that I want. When reassigning the button function you get the option to select the focus method.

[@richardhutchings3656]

Fluffy thing excellent as are your videos

[@jefflyons2026]

fluffy thing is great! you have some awesome captures!!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you Jeff!

[@jeltejeensma4015]

Hello Paul, the sounds are great comming out of youre "fluffy" mike ,your photos and pictures are .....like the master telling voice you have ...great, thank you very much for the skils you share with us ,those skils were we learning from, looking forward for the next one greatings from Kornhorn,the Netherlands !

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you very much Jelte.

[@charlottethoresen693]

The sound quality seems to have improved Paul. Happy new year to you aswell!

[@rinohals]

Those pictures of the red kite/kites are exquisite! Stunning looking birds for sure.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Many thanks.

[@trevormayes7203]

Another great video, sound quality no problem crisp and clear. One of my favourite birds of prey, they are gradually establishing in Norfolk and had a breeding pair in our area. Thanks for info Paul no over the top ideas but plain and easy info to follow. Thank you 👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Trevor. Appreciate the feedback. Have not heard much about them in Norfolk

[@CamillaI]

Great sound and video Paul love the Red Kites in the snow ! 👍😍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Good to know.. and thanks very much. The snow shoot was a very special one!

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Paul, really interesting video. Love the images of the red kites in the snow. I think it's absolutely fine to supplementary feed wildlife. i think a helping hand especially during the hard times is a really good thing. all the best,Steve.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Steve. I agree. I know some people are against any baiting of this kind and I can understand that opinion. The Kites in the snow were really out of this world.. although perhaps the funniest moment was when to random skiers (yes skiers..) stopped en route to investigate and prod the rabbit I had left out!

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

I've seen lots of things while out taking photographs in the UK but I've never had skiers make an appearance. Keep well, all the best Steve.

[@shelleystoneman]

The audio was great, very clear!

[@TheodoreSchnell]

I continue to enjoy and learn from your videos here in the States. Sound quality is excellent, by the way. In case no one's told you lately, you rock! Grateful for your content!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you Ted. You are too kind. Appreciated.

[@clivewelch1025]

Hi Paul plenty off info there and loads off great images, the fluffy thing works great. I was going to ask a question about the supplementary feeding thing but I think I will leave it as I don't want to start a big debate about it.

[@philipwatson2443]

i am pleased to see you have not joined the bandwagon and gone mirrorless like so many youtube vloggers have done Paul.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Philip. I will almost certainly get a mirrorless camera - but it will be because it's what I need. If I do I will explain the reasons why. I'll always champion technique and knowledge over equipment and make videos to cater for those with less advanced gear - something which I know a lot of my followers appreciate.

[@laku4412]

Brilliant tips on this gorgeous bird! Thank you :) The fluffy thing works great in my opinion, sound was good ^^

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you very much.

[@SkylarkFields]

Another superb tutorial packed with info and your kite images in the snow are incredible. Down here in West Dorset we see very few so it's always a treat, but difficult to get really good pics. Thoroughly enjoyed this one - didn't want it to end!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Many thanks. We have quite a few up this way.!

[@heilandgunner]

Great video Paul. Red Kites are one of my favourite species to photograph. Unfortunately, we do not have a local population... The 'fluffy thing' did its job brilliantly. Excellent audio quality.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Andrew. Tons round here in Leeds.

[@heilandgunner]

Thanks Paul, I'm actually coming down to Leeds next month. Guess I'll be packing my camera🙂

[@grahamwilliams9877]

Another great Vlog Paul, and the Mic was perfect 👍👍

[@dust1415]

Hi Paul I love this Full of information and I will try out most of it once Wales opens up and I can get to some of the red kite feeding stations also your new pet tribble looks good and sounds great keep up the great work

[@alanrees7949]

Hi Paul, I’ve been subscribed to your channel for a couple of years now and I must say that the amount of excellent advice you have passed on through the channel has helped me enormously in my ventures into wildlife photography. Living in Wales we are lucky to have some fantastic wildlife to photograph right on our doorstep including the Red Kite. Keep up the good work.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks so much Alan. I remember as a kid going all the way to Wales - we got a one glimpse of a distant kite I think. Now I can drive 20 minutes and have them fly over my head.. amazing!

[@CarolineOrdHume]

Excellent video Paul, I really enjoyed watching it. You also showed us some amazing photographs and video footage which is very much appreciated. The sound quality from the mic seemed good to me and well done for figuring out how to do the text too. It must have taken ages to put this video together! Thank you :-)

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Many thanks Caroline. Yes, it did take a while to make this video.. Been getting bits of footage here and there where I can.

[@JamesWarrior]

Excellent. Really enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@Gaztography]

Great video, my favourite bird, I’m lucky we have have a decent amount where I live and regularly watch them.

[@garystefan3995]

Amazing video and the sound quality is very good too. I don't have a feeding station nearby but when the local fallow Deer gives birth, they turn up.

[@sherryd1805]

Great video Paul. Really enjoy your style and informative content. You’ve inspired me to seek out the Red Kite here in the States. The fluffy thing works well too!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you very much.

[@martinpettinger]

Excellent sound and advice Paul

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

many thanks Martin

[@Gazzab6]

The sound was great Paul.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Great, thanks Gary.

[@sonnydugganphotography]

Brilliant Sound Paul and Graphics On The Video 👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers!

[@robinbarnes3050]

Another great video Paul. Fluffy thing worked very well indeed. Lovely shots of the Kite in the snow. Very helpful as i am now baiting up a patch for Buzzards using a hide. I have set up once but i think a fox has taken the bait, camera trap failed!!. Thanks again for all your helpful tips and tricks.👍👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Robin. I have had issues with camera traps too.! Best of luck

[@alanscott.online]

Thanks for the video. Mic delivers top to mid range well, missing bass and lower end somewhat, therefre sounds a little thin. It's loud, clear and more than good enough for KZbin...Regards from Cmbria.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Alan. I can hear a slight reduction to my ear, compared to other mic. But I agree, it does the job. It is mostly for vlog, in the field, so I can turn away from the camera etc.

[@tonyf3408]

Sound quality was brilliant as was photographs of red kites. Going to Scotland in June hopefully to see red kites.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Tony. Best of luck with them.

[@Wessexphotography]

I have a ton of Red kites around my area , living right on the ridgeway funnily enough I've not done a video of them , now I can armed with your information cheers Paul. The wireless microphone was nice and clear , I use a wireless microphone with my m50 right up until the m50 fell of the tripod and smashed on a concrete path🤦🤷‍♂️. I've now the sony zv-1 . If I remember I set the m50 audio so I peaked at -12db .

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I use an M50 too. Best of luck with the kites!

[@michaelsummers6601]

Hi thanks for the video after my first attempt at photographing these birds I came away thinking going to have lot's of great images nope disaster one half decent image but practice is going to be fun and I'm giving it another go soon, much inspired by your work

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hope you are enjoying the challenge Michael.

[@michaelsummers6601]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Hmm I guess I was lucky with the number of birds present at my first attempt and I'm finding that wild creatures are not always going to be where and when you would like them to be and it may be some time before I'm that lucky again.

[@simoneardley]

Very informative Paul, interesting to hear your thoughts on baiting. I'm with you on this and agree totally about spontaneous, irregular feeding. I dont think it does the birds any harm and can be just the lift they need sometimes in cold harsh weather when food can be scarce. Great shots in the snow👍🏼

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Simon. And nice we're on the same page. Hope you are enjoying your Buzzards - i was amazed to see up to 3 hanging around with the kites.. one very close!

[@edkaminski6355]

I would be interested in how you go about shooting birds like Martins, Swifts, Swallows. I always find them to be a big challenge. Cheers.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I haven't tried that in years. Would be nice to do some Swallows. The modern mirrorless cameras may cope better with this kind of subject.

[@masguapoako]

I'm just started bird photography, took a lot of nice photos but have no idea what they are lol

[@barbarachamberlain6918]

Excellent sound quality and video!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Brilliant. Thanks Barbara.

[@grahamhopkinson1816]

I'm lucky to have Red Kites within a couple of miles of me-I've never managed to get anything like THESE pics though!!!!!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

That's good. It all takes practice.. and to be honest it's finding the right location as much as anything.

[@MrDwhphotography]

I'm lucky enough to live in the Brecon beacons where we have a great population of red kites and I'm only 20 mins away from a supplementary feeder and roosting spot so I am usually spoiled for choice with the camera, but it's always the lighting that I get some trouble with due to the location and I've done exactly the same as you described with the exposure compensation I found that works best

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Excellent. Flight shots are never easy. Takes a lot of persistence.

[@MrDwhphotography]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography absolutely! and the amount of times I've almost sold everything off through utter frustration and then everything comes together

[@roylansbrian4722]

In my part of West Yorkshire I get Red kites flying over most days.

[@pauldlewis3138]

You want some feedback on the mike you say ... ok here goes ... "whistleeeee... whhhhiiisssttllee ..... " ... sorry about that couldnt resist. Sound is very good.

[@tomhendron2357]

Sound and video are perfect. Thanks for all your shared information on wildlife photography. Long time follower, Paul!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Tom.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Lol! Cheers Paul

[@paulbaldwin2290]

Excellent sound quality Paul 👌as is the video 👌no need to adjust anything great tips as usual 👏👏genius! Where did you get wireless mike?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Paul. I'm very pleased with it. Can't wait to use it for In the Field Vlogs! It's a Synco, from Amazon.

[@WalkontheWildlifeSide]

Hi Paul. Great video. I have Photographed the Red Kites a few times now and I'm not able to get a pin sharp image of them in flight. I use canon 7d mrk ii and 100-400 canon lens. I suppose it depends on light on the day. But I have went out on cloudy days and sunny days. Maybe I'm too hard on myself. Any advice? Many thanks.

[@ianpawson1356]

Sounds good Paul as was the video again. Last couple of times I've tried to photograph Red Kite, it's been grey sky. But the colours when the light does shine on them

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Ian. Yes, I always wait for blue sky. Was there again today! Amazing birds..

[@paulhartley7459]

Hi Paul, i also live near Harewood and love the kites i have just got into photographing them i am going for a day at Gigrin farm at the end of the month the two lenses i am taking will probably be cannon 70-300 and a tamron 150-600 could you recommend some good settings to start off with please

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

They are great. I would keep aperture wide and aim for over 1/1000.

[@kendalloei]

Not a fan of baiting, especially in the days of internet. There are so many photographers out there that there is a constant stream of food in some places so no hope of intermittent feeding. It also takes the challenge and adventure out of wildlife photography. A bird captured in its natural activities is worth three on the bait. At least for me.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I appreciate your views Kendall. I would almost always avoid those places where birds are overfed.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

in terms of mic sound it is a bit low/lacking in sharpness, as if you are talking in the room next door but otherwise good.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you Dimitris. It doesn't sound as clear to me as they original mic. but still decent.

[@SomeonewithaSony]

I had a friend that had a red kite back when I was little. String broke and it blew away.

[@edkaminski6355]

Sound quality.....I played your video backwards and heard demonic messages! Sound is fine...nice video as always.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Well.. yes that sound about right. Lol... Thanks for the feedback!

[@MaidenBklyn]

hi Paul, baiting with a dead rabbit?....may i ask where the rabbit came from?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Marisa. For a while I got rabbit and pheasant from a butchers. They were not killed with lead shot which is always a concern. I have also used roadkill.

[@MaidenBklyn]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography thanks for clarifying 🙂

[@41stclair]

where in the fuck is all your snow !!!!!???????

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Lol. We don't see much most years...